According to Schefter, the Broncos have had “preliminary” talks with Fitzpatrick, but are currently unwilling to pay him the kind of salary he’s looking for.

Schefter adds that the Broncos and Fitzpatrick could revisit those talks down the line, but for now, Denver plans monitor Fitzpatrick’s situation while exploring other quarterback options to compete with Mark Sanchez.

Fitzpatrick, 32, played out the final year of his two-year, $7.5 million contract that included $4 million guaranteed and is now in position to secure a sizable raise in the coming days as one of the best quarterbacks in this year’s market.

In 2015, Fitzpatrick threw for 3,905 yards while completing 59.6 percent of his passes to go along with 31 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. Pro Football Focus has Fitzpatrick rated as the No. 27 quarterback out of 37 qualifying players.